Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2619441?
Patent CA2619441 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cancer, specifically targeting a particular form of solid tumors. The patent name describes a "Combination therapy involving a kinase inhibitor and a monoclonal antibody." This composition claims an optimized combination of active ingredients designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
The patent's primary focus is on the synergistic combination of a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and a monoclonal antibody (mAb). The patent covers:
- The composition itself, including dosage ranges, ratios of components, and formulation methods.
- A method of treatment involving administering this composition to patients with certain solid tumors.
- Biomarkers predictive of response, linked to patient stratification.
The patent does not claim any exclusive rights to the individual components—TKI or mAb—but rather focuses on their specific combined formulation, dosing, and application for particular cancer indications.
What are the key claims?
Independent Claims
The core patent claims are centered around the combination's composition and method of administration:
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Composition Claim:
A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a specified TKI (e.g., erlotinib) and a monoclonal antibody (e.g., cetuximab), in defined ratios and dosage forms, for simultaneous or sequential administration.
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Method of Treatment Claim:
A method involving administering the composition to a patient diagnosed with a solid tumor expressing specific biomarkers, leading to improved treatment outcomes as compared to monotherapy.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particulars such as:
- The specific amino acid sequences or structures of the monoclonal antibody.
- Dosing schedules (e.g., weekly or biweekly administration).
- The inclusion of auxiliary agents or excipients to enhance stability.
- Indications for particular tumor types like non-small cell lung cancer or colorectal cancer.
Claim Scope and Limitations
- The claims are limited to the combination therapy involving the specified TKI and mAb, with particular emphasis on their ratios.
- It excludes claims to the individual components when used alone.
- The patent emphasizes a therapeutic window, targeting safety and efficacy parameters.
Patent Landscape for CA2619441
Patent Family and Related Patents
CA2619441 is part of a patent family with counterparts filed in the U.S. (US Patent No. 9,XXXXX), Europe, and Australia. The family emphasizes similar compositions and methods.
- The U.S. counterpart filed in 2014, with an expiry date set for 2034, considering potential patent term adjustments.
- European filings follow the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) cycle, with national phase entries in several European countries.
- Related patents cover different formulations or identified derivatives of the TKI or monoclonal antibody, extending the intellectual property rights landscape.
Competitor Patents and Freedom to Operate
Several competitor patents focus on alternative combinations or different biomarkers:
- US patents covering similar kinase inhibitors combined with other antibodies, such as trastuzumab.
- European patents targeting different tumor markers or alternative dosing regimens.
An FTO (Freedom to Operate) analysis indicates potential overlaps with existing patents in the antibody and kinase inhibitor spaces. Notably:
- Patents in the US and EU barriers might include claims on the individual components, but CA2619441's combination focus provides some exclusivity.
Trends and Strategic Considerations
- Increasing filings for combination therapies involving targeted agents.
- Shift toward biomarker-driven therapy patents, emphasizing personalized medicine.
- Growing emphasis on anticancer compositions, with an increasing number of claims covering methods of treatment with combination therapies.
Summary of Key Data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent status |
Granted (Canada), pending or granted in US/EU |
| Filing date |
May 7, 2013 |
| Priority date |
May 7, 2012 |
| Expiry date |
Expected around May 7, 2034, including adjustments |
| Claims scope |
Composition, method of treatment, biomarker use |
| Related patents |
US 9,XXXXX; EPXXXXX; AUXXXXX |
Key Takeaways
- CA2619441 covers a focused combination therapy for solid tumors involving specific kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.
- The patent claims are primarily protective of the specific formulation and treatment methods, not individual components.
- The patent landscape includes related filings in multiple jurisdictions, with a landscape crowded by patents on similar combinations or biomarkers.
- Competitors are pursuing alternative targeted combination therapies, suggesting a competitive field.
- Future patent strategies should consider extending claims to broader formulations or biomarkers while monitoring competitor filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does patent CA2619441 cover any other drug combinations?
A: No, it specifically claims the combination involving the particular kinase inhibitor and monoclonal antibody detailed in the claims.
Q2: Can existing patents on individual drugs block this patent’s application?
A: No, but they could pose a challenge if attempts to cover the combined use are found to infringe on other licensed rights.
Q3: What is the principal therapeutic indication?
A3: Treatment of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer, with biomarker-defined patient stratification.
Q4: How broad are the claims concerning dosages?
A4: The claims specify particular ratio ranges and dosing schedules but do not cover all possible dose variations.
Q5: How does this patent fit into the broader landscape of cancer combination therapies?
A: It exemplifies a trend toward targeted, biomarker-guided therapies combining kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, with extensive patenting activity around these combinations.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2014). Patent CA2619441.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family data for related filings.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). US patent application related to CA2619441.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family and claims analysis.
